Classic horror movies

Not very holiday like - it is a week for classic horror films - first we had Rosemary's Baby on Tuesday and tonight it is The Shining - creepy

I will have to balance it off with Frosty or Rudolph this weekend.

TV and the Soft Eshoo Bill (Brent Bozell III)

I was reading Yahoo Opinion and saw this op ed from Brent Bozell. He writes about the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act (CALM) which was passed Tuesday on a voice vote that urged that TV commercials be no louder than the shows in which they appear.

I remember my dad always asking if the commercials were louder than the original show and I guess they were!! Not that I think this is a pressing need for Congress (the subject of the Op Ed) but I think there is a niche market here for someone to develop some sort of utility that lessens the ads. I don't need Billy Mays screaming at me.

Bozell's column is linked below - a good read.

TV and the Soft Eshoo Bill
(Brent Bozell III): "Brent Bozell III - Lest any citizen think the U.S. Congress is absorbed only in the weightiest matters like nationalizing the health care system, the House just passed another piece of legislation — a bill urging that TV commercials be no louder than the shows in which they appear."

ABBA, Genesis among new rock hall inductees (AP)

FYI - Genesis was a favorite band of mine and am happy to see them get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I saw them as recently as 2007 during their reunion tour and was really impressed that the old guys still had it.

ABBA, Genesis among new rock hall inductees
(AP): "AP - The 1970s Swedish pop group ABBA is dancing its way into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, along with Genesis, Jimmy Cliff, The Hollies and The Stooges."

Child's Christmas artwork deemed 'violent' -- SOUNDOFF

Interesting note about what is deemed violent. Is Christianity something that the educational elite seem to be something that requires a psych eval?

This is a disturbing trend on one that I have written about before. What is the Christmas season all about? Isn't it based on Jesus Christ (i.e. "the reason for the season"?). As cliche as that might sound to some, it goes without saying that this holiday is based on religious beliefs and that those religious beliefs are being squeezed out of our day to day lives (focus in on consumerism and buying gifts with no thought as to the day itself).

This is horrible.

Child's Christmas artwork deemed 'violent' -- SOUNDOFF: "An eight year old elementary school student in Taunton was sent home from school and required to undergo a psychological evaluation after drawing a stick figure picture of Jesus on the cross.The second grader at Maxham Elementary school was told by this teacher that the drawing was violent. This was after the class was asked to sketch something that reminded them of Christmas."

Child's Christmas artwork deemed 'violent' -- SOUNDOFF

Interesting note about what is deemed violent. Is Christianity something that the educational elite seem to be something that requires a psych eval?

This is a disturbing trend on one that I have written about before. What is the Christmas season all about? Isn't it based on Jesus Christ (i.e. "the reason for the season"?). As cliche as that might sound to some, it goes without saying that this holiday is based on religious beliefs and that those religious beliefs are being squeezed out of our day to day lives (focus in on consumerism and buying gifts with no thought as to the day itself).

This is horrible.

Child's Christmas artwork deemed 'violent' -- SOUNDOFF: "An eight year old elementary school student in Taunton was sent home from school and required to undergo a psychological evaluation after drawing a stick figure picture of Jesus on the cross.The second grader at Maxham Elementary school was told by this teacher that the drawing was violent. This was after the class was asked to sketch something that reminded them of Christmas."

Jets approaching last 3 games as 'do-or-die' (AP)

Sorry to say this as I love the Jets - but they were in a similar situation last year (i.e. do or die). The real trick is not to get into these situations in the first place.

It is tough to be a fan...

Jets approaching last 3 games as 'do-or-die' (AP): "Things are still looking up for the New York Jets. After a convincing 26-3 victory over Tampa Bay on Sunday and a few other teams losing, the Jets (7-6) are in the middle of the AFC playoff mix. They've won three straight games, the defense has been dominant and they might even get injured quarterback Mark Sanchez back this week."

Jets approaching last 3 games as 'do-or-die' (AP)

Sorry to say this as I love the Jets - but they were in a similar situation last year (i.e. do or die). The real trick is not to get into these situations in the first place.

It is tough to be a fan...

Jets approaching last 3 games as 'do-or-die' (AP): "Things are still looking up for the New York Jets. After a convincing 26-3 victory over Tampa Bay on Sunday and a few other teams losing, the Jets (7-6) are in the middle of the AFC playoff mix. They've won three straight games, the defense has been dominant and they might even get injured quarterback Mark Sanchez back this week."

John Stossel's show starts tomorrow on Fox Business

I am a big fan of John Stossel and am happy to see him moving to Fox Business to do a show focused on free markets and liberty. To that end, he has a good column on WND that outlines his first show (or his first two shows).

My first show on Fox Business

John Stossel's show starts tomorrow on Fox Business

I am a big fan of John Stossel and am happy to see him moving to Fox Business to do a show focused on free markets and liberty. To that end, he has a good column on WND that outlines his first show (or his first two shows).

My first show on Fox Business

Ban on texting while driving proposed for Boston

So this makes sense to me - a lot more than House working on banning novelty lighters.

Has anyone ever tried this? What reason could you possibly have to text while driving? Isn't it bad enough we have our faces in our computers, IPhones, Blackberrys, Cell phones etc while we are walking?

I think this is a case where people are just too stupid not to do something sensible - or too selfish.

Ban on texting while driving proposed for Boston

House continues to work on the tough issues

So once again, the local lawmakers are taking on a very pressing need with their valuable time? I guess these sorts of things are what are keeping them from taking furloughs although they are asking their staff to take them.

This is (in my opinion) silly and a waste of taxpayer money.

House votes to ban sale of novelty lighters: "Massachusetts lawmakers are backing a proposed ban on the sale of novelty cigarette lighters which could appeal to children. The House on Monday gave initial approval to the bill, which would bar novelty lighters from being manufactured, sold or given away in Massachusetts.
"

Reid: GOP Wouldve Defended Slavery

This is great - Sen Harry Reid likening GOP resistance to Healthcare reform to people defending slavery. The story at Fox News notes that "Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid took his GOP-blasting rhetoric to a new level Monday, comparing Republicans who oppose health care reform to lawmakers who clung to the institution of slavery more than a century ago." I would only add that it is not a new "level" but a new "low" level. This is shameful.

Breaking News | Latest News | Current News - FOXNews.com

via Reid: GOP Wouldve Defended Slavery.

Mike Adams : WRAL: White Rapists and Lombard - Townhall.com

Note this article is very graphic and disturbing but does reveal how depraved some folks in our society are and how far some in the media will go to cover up "inconvenient facts" about a criminal's sexual orientation.

Mike Adams : WRAL: White Rapists and Lombard - Townhall.com.

National Review and ads by Google

I was over reading National Review and was surprised to see a banner ad for Steve Pagliuca for Senate. As all of us Bay State residents know there is a runoff election for the senate seat left by Ted Kennedy and our choice is basically a bunch of liberal Democrats. I find it interesting that as I check out National Review I get a ad asking me to help elect Pagliuca. If I didn't know the other candidates, would I infer that Pagliuca is a candidate close to the values that are in line with National Review? Short answer is that they are not but I find this advertisement to be misleading a tad.

Screen shot below:

Interesting don't you think?

What about the general welfare?

Recently I posted a note about the Enumerated Powers act and my wish that it would be passed by Congress. The intent of this act would require "… that all bills introduced in the U.S. Congress include a statement setting forth the specific constitutional authority under which the law is being enacted. This measure will force a continual re-examination of the role of the national government, and will fundamentally alter the ever-expanding reach of the federal government."

A liberal friend mentioned that Congress can pass healthcare for example because of the general welfare statement in the US Constitution. Well recall that the "general welfare" statement is part of the preamble to the Constitution. I quote:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

So as I read this, the Constitution (not Congress or the Presidency) was established (in part) to promote the general welfare. Now Section 8 of the Constitution states that "The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States;" so those on the Left say "ah ha" there you go. Well not so fast…

The indispensable Patriot Post covered this in their 20 November 2009 digest found here. A few quotes from a few Founding Fathers (drawn from the 20 November 2009 Patriot Post Digest) will serve to clarify the "general welfare" phrase:

James Madison, primary author of the Constitution, vehemently disagreed, writing, "If Congress can do whatever in their discretion can be done by money, and will promote the General Welfare, the Government is no longer a limited one, possessing enumerated powers, but an indefinite one, subject to particular exceptions."

Thomas Jefferson likewise stated that if Congress could "do anything they please to provide for the general welfare ... [i]t would reduce the whole instrument [the Constitution] to a single phrase, that of instituting a Congress with power to do whatever would be for the good of the United States; and as they would be the sole judges of the good or evil, it would be also a power to do whatever evil they please." For the simpletons in Congress, Jefferson concluded, "Certainly no such universal power was meant to be given them."

(Thanks again to the Patriot Post – online at http://patriotpost.us/)

Congress is limited in its powers period. There is no constitutational power for Congress to say mandate all citizens have to buy health insurance just like there is no power for Congress to mandate we all need to wear potato sacks to work. Wake up America! Hold Congress accountable.

OS

Losing Weight

I have tried a slew of things to try and drop weight so having a blog online that in effect holds me accountable is something I thought I would try.

I am 6′6″ and weighed in today and 285.5. According to an online BMI calculator, that puts me in the obese category (with a BMI of 33). Wow!

I have tried all sorts of diets and in truth most of it has worked. I did atkins in 2005 and dropped almost 40 lbs. I felt great and the best thing about that diet is that it made me a little lighter so I could work out and feel a little more confident. Sadly, I threw away everything smart that I learned on that diet and went back to my old ways.

I also did South Beach and like Atkins it worked. But the real challenge is to change your lifestyle which is something I have not done.

Since having kids (2 young ones) more crappy food has been around then I have been exposed to before (Devil Dogs, snack cakes) and to be honest, I don’t even like them, I grab them because it is convenient.

Finally I don’t have time to work out. Or rather, I don’t make time to work out. That is the god honest truth. I used to be in decent shape with martial arts, weight lifting, etc. and now I have let myself go. No excuse – just stating the fact.

So I will use this journal to continue to hold myself accountable. I don’t need pancakes for breakfast or to over eat when we go out to eat. I will track what I eat and see if I can get my ass moving a little better. It will be slow going but maybe reading this blog will re-motivate me.

Breakfast

1. Wrap (60 calories) + 2 eggs+ small amount of mozz cheese – 340 calories?
2. Snack (1030) – TLC Granola Bar (140 calories)

Losing weight

I have tried a slew of things to try and drop weight so having a blog online that in effect holds me accountable is something I thought I would try.

I am 6'6" and weighed in today and 285.5. According to an online BMI calculator, that puts me in the obese category (with a BMI of 33). Wow!

I have tried all sorts of diets and in truth most of it has worked. I did atkins in 2005 and dropped almost 40 lbs. I felt great and the best thing about that diet is that it made me a little lighter so I could work out and feel a little more confident. Sadly, I threw away everything smart that I learned on that diet and went back to my old ways.

I also did South Beach and like Atkins it worked. But the real challenge is to change your lifestyle which is something I have not done.

Since having kids (2 young ones) more crappy food has been around then I have been exposed to before (Devil Dogs, snack cakes) and to be honest, I don't even like them, I grab them because it is convenient.

Finally I don't have time to work out. Or rather, I don't make time to work out. That is the god honest truth. I used to be in decent shape with martial arts, weight lifting, etc. and now I have let myself go. No excuse – just stating the fact.

So I will use this journal to continue to hold myself accountable. I don't need pancakes for breakfast or to over eat when we go out to eat. I will track what I eat and see if I can get my ass moving a little better. It will be slow going but maybe reading this blog will re-motivate me.

 

Breakfast

1. Wrap (60 calories) + 2 eggs+ small amount of mozz cheese – 340 calories?
   
2. Snack (1030) – TLC Granola Bar (140 calories)

Testing posting from Word

Trying to see if this works.

Child porn cases take toll on investigators - washingtonpost.com

Forward from fellow blogger - it is a shame that we actually need people to do this.

Child porn cases take toll on investigators - washingtonpost.com

WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA 'Merry Christmas' sign ordered taken down

No - this isn't anything regarding a war on Christmas but it is something I see as really silly (like the Holiday Ban in a school in the same town).

What is going on in in these towns? The story notes that "people complained" about the sign and had to be taken down as "a new town common policy only allows displays to stay up for one day, no matter what they are."

I am waiting to see if AIDS Awareness signs or other signs (Martin Luther King Day Observance activities) suffer the same fate.

By the way - that is a stupid law.

WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA 'Merry Christmas' sign ordered taken down

WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA 'Merry Christmas' sign ordered taken down

No - this isn't anything regarding a war on Christmas but it is something I see as really silly (like the Holiday Ban in a school in the same town).

What is going on in in these towns? The story notes that "people complained" about the sign and had to be taken down as "a new town common policy only allows displays to stay up for one day, no matter what they are."

I am waiting to see if AIDS Awareness signs or other signs (Martin Luther King Day Observance activities) suffer the same fate.

By the way - that is a stupid law.

WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA 'Merry Christmas' sign ordered taken down

Aunt Jemima Cartoon Angers Supporters of Ohio Lawmaker - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

I wonder what the reaction would be if this was done at the Wall Street Journal or Fox News rather than a black run newspaper.

I always find it amusing when some groups charge racism in situations but use similar racist tactics (like those leveled at Condi Rice) when there is some disagreement with a fellow African American.

Aunt Jemima Cartoon Angers Supporters of Ohio Lawmaker - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com.

Aunt Jemima Cartoon Angers Supporters of Ohio Lawmaker - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

Can you imagine if the Wall Street Journal (or Fox News) did this? I am sure there would be charges of racism.

Aunt Jemima Cartoon Angers Supporters of Ohio Lawmaker - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

Aunt Jemima Cartoon Angers Supporters of Ohio Lawmaker - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

Can you imagine if the Wall Street Journal (or Fox News) did this? I am sure there would be charges of racism.

Aunt Jemima Cartoon Angers Supporters of Ohio Lawmaker - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com